What do home inspectors look for around chimneys?
The various standards of practice generally require home inspectors to inspect readily accessible areas that are exposed to view. Inspectors are not required to climb on top of chimneys or take off chimney caps. In fact ASHI Standard 9.3.D.1 specifically says, “The inspector is NOT required to observe the interior of flues.” This sometimes comes as surprise to chimney sweeps and homeowners. In some situations it would seem very easy to look into the flue. (Where the deterioration or lack of a flue liner, for example, might be obvious.) Bob Priesing, a certified sweep in North Carolina who also holds a state home inspector’s license says, “If the inspector conducted the inspection in accordance with standards of practice by which he or she operates, and if flues or chimney interiors are excluded by those standards, then the inspection was in fact complete.” Many home inspectors will recommend in writing that the chimney be cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep. “If the c
